Guiding by Guile

Bali Vows to Take Legal Steps Against Foreign Tour Guides Working Illegally on the Island

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(4/5/2013)

Seputarbali.com, is warning that foreign tour guides are not allowed to work on the Island, quoting the head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Ida Bagus Kade Subhisku.

“We will take firm action if we find foreign tourists working as guides and report those involved to immigration,” threatened Subhisku.

He underlined those Indonesian citizens holding a license as a certified guide are the only individuals authorized to fill the role of guides.

A foreign tour leader can accompany groups of foreign tourists in Bali, but that individual cannot act as a tour guide and impart information and local knowledge on island attractions and culture.

At the same time, the chairman of the Bali Guide Association (HPI), Sang Putu Subaya, said his association saluted and appreciated efforts by local enforcement agencies to control the activities of illegal tour guides in Bali.

Presently, 15 illegal tour guides captured by authorities are being processed through the Denpasar District Court.